A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research Seminar Series Prof Lau Chi-pang: Exploring History through Chronicles

The final session of the A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research seminar series for the 2024-25 academic year, organised by the School of Graduate Studies of Lingnan University, was held on 19 May 2025, and featured an interesting talk titled Chronicles as a Form of Chinese Historiography: My Experience with the Hong Kong Chronicles by Prof Lau Chi-pang, Associate Vice-President (Institutional Advancement and External Affairs) cum Director of Institutional Advancement and Public Affairs. About a hundred faculty members and students attended the session.

Prof Lau is both a Professor of the Department of History at Lingnan University and a leading scholar with extensive expertise in the intellectual history of the Song to Qing dynasties, Hong Kong history, and Chinese chronicles. He has written over 30 books on a diverse range of topics, including local history, intangible cultural heritage, the history of the Republic of China, and Hong Kong-style milk tea.

Embodying Lingnan’s motto of Education for Service, Prof Lau is actively involved in community service and cultural preservation, including museum initiatives, heritage conservation, town planning, environmental protection, and safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage. He is also a member of the Legislative Council, the 14th CPPCC member, and Chief Editor of the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute, all of which illustrate his commitment to integrating scholarly research with community involvement.

In his talk, Prof Lau examined the tradition of chronicles in Chinese historiography, emphasising their vital role in preserving collective memory, and linking the past with the present. He spoke of his own experiences with the Hong Kong Chronicles, highlighting their significance as both an archival repository and a cultural mirror that reflect Hong Kong’s identity and heritage.

Prof Lau emphasised that local chronicles are essential to preserve history, inform policy, and educate the public. They support Hong Kong's political, economic, and social development while improving understanding among Mainland and international communities. An exciting and ambitious cultural project, these chronicles foster social cohesion by helping residents connect with their historical and cultural roots, reinforcing national identity. Additionally, they serve as a valuable resource for governments, enabling a better understanding of public sentiment, crucial for the effective implementation of the"one country, two systems" policy, and for promoting the whole region's prosperity and stability.

The session provided a wonderful opportunity to engage directly with Prof Lau in serious discussions on the challenges and responsibilities of recording history in a rapidly changing world. The professor’s personal anecdotes and scholarly insights stimulated the dialogue, and encouraged reflection on the importance of preserving the cultural narrative.

Mr Zhang Chuqi, a student from the Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence and the Future programme, said enthusiastically “Although I don’t have a background in history, I immediately signed up for the seminar after receiving the invitation. The speakers in this seminar series are top scholars, making this a great opportunity to learn. Prof Lau explained that chronicles do more than simply list events, they reveal the reasons behind them and their societal impact, which I find inspirational. By presenting historical information clearly, chronicles offer valuable insights that help us understand not just the facts but the bigger picture. While I'm not well-versed in history, I feel I’ve gained new perspectives. I believe that lacking knowledge in a topic can be advantageous as it opens up many opportunities for learning.” Mr Zhang was motivated by Prof Lau's insights on chronicles, and views his own limited knowledge as an opportunity for growth.

A Personal Perspective on Doing Good Research seminar series invites senior university management and key scholars to describe their research, experiences, and perspectives, and provides a platform for in-depth exchanges between doctoral students, young scholars, and leading academics, as well as advice on how to conduct excellent research.